High street coffee chains, including Costa, Starbucks, Caffe Nero, and McDonald’s, have come under scrutiny as an investigation reveals the shockingly high levels of sugar in their summer drinks. These seasonal beverages are exceeding the NHS’s recommended daily limit for added sugar, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic in Britain, especially among children and teenagers.
An audit by MailOnline found that Costa Coffee’s Blueberry Bubble Frappe Light Whip contains a staggering 49.3g of sugar, equivalent to 12 teaspoons of sugar. This far surpasses the NHS’s guideline of no more than 30g or seven teaspoons of added sugar per day for adults. Caffe Nero’s Tropical Fro-Yo Frappe with semi-skimmed milk contains 24.6g, which is six teaspoons worth. McDonald’s Strawberry and Cream Frappe and Starbucks’ Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew contain around six teaspoons worth and 17.6g, respectively.
Zoe Davies, a nutritionist at Action on Sugar, expressed concerns about large coffee shop chains consistently selling these drinks all year round, albeit with different flavors, that are loaded with excessive amounts of sugar and calories. She emphasized that these “seasonal” drinks are not occasional treats but rather perpetuated and heavily advertised products that contribute to the obesity crisis in the country.
Given that obesity costs the NHS about £6.5 billion annually and is the second leading cause of cancer, coffee shops must take greater responsibility in reducing sugar content and providing transparent information to customers at the point of sale. Nutritionists advise customers who wish to enjoy these drinks to ask for less syrup and opt for the smallest size available.
These findings come as the government announces plans to offer a “game-changing” weight loss drug to more NHS patients to combat obesity. With almost one in three Britons classified as obese, the UK is ranked among the worst countries in Europe for obesity, trailing behind Malta and Turkey. Additionally, approximately five million people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum called for government intervention to set limits on sugar content in products to eradicate obesity in the UK. He criticized the manufacturers of these drinks for their irresponsibility, stating that they deserve severe consequences.
Paul Evans of the British Obesity Society and School Health UK expressed astonishment at the lack of discussion surrounding the high sugar levels in these drinks and highlighted the contribution they make to the escalating obesity rates.
In response to these revelations, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero offered statements, emphasizing the range of choices they provide to customers and their commitment to helping them make informed decisions about their consumption. McDonald’s did not respond to the requests for comment.
A balanced diet, as recommended by the NHS, should include meals based on starchy carbohydrates, five portions of fruits and vegetables, 30 grams of fiber per day, dairy or alternatives, protein from sources such as beans, pulses, fish, eggs, and lean meat, unsaturated oils and spreads in moderation, and adequate water intake. It is advised to limit salt and saturated fat intake as well.
Source: Mail Online
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